Repeat vendors to the bi-annual Consumer Fair attributed their return to good sales as well as the event’s ability to pull in crowds and connect them to a wider audience.

“We have come a long way [since our] first Consumer Fair in 2008… [It has] become a platform to showcase local industries to the general public,” D’Sunlit Managing Director Jackson Ting said this morning at the opening of the 20th Consumer Fair at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.

He added that the event has now become a household name and it strives to expose local talents and help youth-driven industries to flourish. The four-day Consumer Fair, which hosts over 400 exhibitors, was officiated by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (R) Dato PadukaSeri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yussof.

“[During our first instalment], we started with 60 booths, it is overwhelming to see where this has come to,” Ting noted in his opening remarks.

Back for a second time, local textile retailer YMRM is hopeful to attract a strong crowd with offerings starting from as low as $1 per meter. “The last time we enjoyed really brisk sales… most of the items are now half-price for the duration of this Consumer Fair,” a sales representative told The Scoop.

According to previous media reports, the last Consumer Fair in January 2017 recorded over 90,000 visitors. Encouraged by the history of strong crowd flocking to the event, this is the fifth year Cambodian business owner Sovatey has joined.

“I come back to Brunei and join because sales have been good, so I manage to get a little profit. My bestsellers are the [semi-precious stone] bracelets and rings,” the Sun Ly Jewelry owner said, adding that her jewelries range between $25 and $100.

Sovatey, a Cambodian business owner is joining the Consumer Fair for the fifth year. Photo: Hadthiah Hazair/The Scoop

Hjh Zeliha Hj Abd Rahman, a local business owner who makes beauty products using madu kelulut or stingless bee honey, has also joined the long list of repeat Consumer Fair vendors this year.

“Usually we join our MPK (village consultative council) to exhibit our products, but since they’re not joining this year, I’ve decided to take a booth myself,” she said.

During the opening ceremony this morning, the event organiser honoured long-time vendors, some of whom have joined the Consumer Fair series since the beginning, with tokens of appreciation. The list includes Syarikat Malar Setia, DST Sdn Bhd, NBT Sdn Bhd, KFC Brunei and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam.